LANSING, Michigan – Legislation sponsored by state Representative George T. Darany (D-Dearborn) was passed by the Michigan House and Senate today and will now be sent to the governor’s office to be signed into law. House Bill 4021 will expand the list of intent elements for kidnapping to include knowingly restraining a minor for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
George T. Darany
“I truly appreciate all of the hard work that has brought the legislation to this point and I am grateful that the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office brought the need for this bill to my attention,” said Darany. “This bill was passed in the House and Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and I applaud my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for standing up for Michigan’s children. Protecting the well-being of our children is of utmost importance, and strengthening kidnapping laws is one way we can make sure they are kept safe.”
Currently, an individual commits the act of kidnapping if he or she knowingly restrains another person with intent to: hold the person for ransom or reward; as a shield or hostage; to commit a criminal sexual conduct offense, such as rape; to take an individual outside the state; and/or for the purpose of involuntary servitude. Darany’s bill amends the definition of intent by adding a new subsection to include knowingly restraining another person with the intent to engage a child in sexually abusive activity.
“Individuals who abduct children for the purpose of producing child pornography should be subject to the severe penalties that follow a kidnapping indictment,” Darany said. “This change is vital in vocalizing the state’s strong commitment to our children and I am thankful that the bill is on its way to be signed by the governor.”
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